Maryland Space Grant Consortium Partners with Capitol College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Kyle Anderson Marketing & Communications Coordinator 301-369-2800, ext. 3015 kdanderson@capitol-college.edu

Maryland Space Grant Consortium Partners with Capitol College

LAUREL, MD (February 14, 2012) – Capitol College is pleased to announce its new partnership with Maryland Space Grant Consortium (MDSGC).

MDSGC is part of NASA’s National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program, an organization that contributes to the nation’s science enterprise by funding research, education, and public service projects through a national network of 52 university-based Space Grant consortia. Since its founding, Space Grant has awarded over 12,000 U.S. citizens with tuition assistance in science, engineering, and related fields of study.

“Capitol College is honored to be invited to join the Maryland Space Grant Consortium and partner with our colleagues in the state of Maryland to advance education in the science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields,” Dr. Michael G. Gibbs, vice president for advancement and director of the college's Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach, said.

For the past three years, MDSGC has sponsored several of Capitol’s outreach programs, including the Emerging STEM Leaders Program. The program encouraged community college students to not only earn a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field, but to emerge from their education as skilled professionals and innovative leaders in those fields.

The partnership with MDSGC provides Capitol’s students with more opportunities to receive hands-on learning at various NASA facilities, including NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Capitol’s partnership opportunities throughout the state of Maryland and nationally within the space science community will continue to expand. The partnership also allows for an increased number of professional development opportunities for Capitol faculty. Finally, MDSGC will be providing modest scholarship funds to the college.

Capitol offers both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in astronautical engineering. The partnership with MDSGC will undoubtedly increase the research abilities of students completing these degrees.

Capitol College is one of 11 institutions in Maryland that is partnered with MDSGC.

Capitol College is the only independent college in Maryland dedicated to education in engineering, computer science, information technology and business through practices of leadership and innovation. Founded in 1927, Capitol offers associate, bachelor’s and master's degrees, a Doctor of Science in Information Assurance, professional development training and certificates. Academic programs are grounded in centers of excellence; these include the Space Operations Institute, the Critical Infrastructures and Cyber Protection Center, the Innovation and Leadership Institute, and the Center for Space Science Education and Public Outreach. The college campus is located in Laurel, Maryland, a suburban setting midway between Baltimore and Washington, DC. www.capitol-college.edu.

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